Michael J. Fox, who played Marty McFly in the Back to the Future franchise, recalled a memorable moment from SNL. He got candid about Dana Carvey’s impression of him when he hosted the show in 1991. While Fox felt that his own performance in the skit was “milquetoast and generic,” he had nicer things to say about Carvey’s portrayal.
Michael J. Fox discusses Dana Carvey’s impression during SNL debut
In a recent interview, Michael J. Fox, who is celebrating Back to the Future’s 40th anniversary, shared his thoughts on Dana Carvey’s surprising impression of him during his SNL appearance.
“He got so into the physical thing,” Fox told Entertainment Weekly. “Because I used to do a thing where I’d put my hands in my pockets, do a 360, and leap up on the counter. I never imagined that he’d do it but he got that, he totally nailed it. He really did. I love Dave a lot, but I really loved Dana’s impression.”
The incident Fox refers to occurred during his monologue on SNL, where he attempted to joke about his new movie, The Hard Way. However, the joke failed, garnering no response from the audience. Suddenly, David Spade and Kevin Nealon appear from behind the stage, dressed as Back to the Future characters, Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd’s Dr. Emmett Brown.
“Who the hell are you?” the real Fox asks Spade’s character. “I’m you! I’m Michael J. Fox! I just came from 90 minutes in the future, the show’s a complete dud!” Spade responded.
Following a hilarious conversation, the three go back in time to prevent the past version of Fox (Carvey) from taking up the SNL gig. During the skit, Carvey pulls off Fox’s unique demeanor, which takes the actor completely by surprise. The act had a lasting impression on the actor, who recalls it with joy even to this day.
On the other hand, Fox admitted that his performance was “pretty milquetoast and generic.” Nonetheless, he still felt that it was a “really good” experience looking back at that moment in his career.
Originally reported by Harsha Panduranga on ComingSoon.net.
